MORNING BRIEFING: The aged care facility in Sydney's west is stepping up measures to address an outbreak of coronavirus after a staff member worked six shifts with mild symptoms.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance is expected to announce he will contest the federal seat of Eden-Monaro after NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro decided not to run.

A major redevelopment in Sydney's north west is given the go-ahead days after the announcement of an expedited approvals program — prompting criticism that the process seemed "predetermined".

Three girls accused of attacking another teen near Wollongong face a maximum 25 years behind bars if found guilty of the shopping centre assault.

Sydney arts centre Carriageworks says the coronavirus pandemic has caused an "irreparable loss of income" after six months of events were cancelled or postponed.

Solar-powered vibrators, vegan condoms and organic lubricants: Sex therapists share tips for going green between the sheets.

MORNING BRIEFING: An aged care operator at the centre of Australia's second biggest coronavirus cluster has requested a worker be stood down after alleged breaches of infection control.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has announced he will seek Liberal pre-selection for the Eden-Monaro by-election

Businesses in the Mudgee and surrounding region say they'll bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, using resilience built during years spent in drought and recent and devastating bushfires.

People with Tourette syndrome appeal for compassion as pandemic panic exacerbates their neurological condition, causing their anxieties and tics to worsen.

A water awareness video produced for children encourages them to turn off the tap when washing their hands.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Dr Kerry Chant provided an updated on coronavirus for May 6. NSW has confirmed nine new cases of COVID-19 overnight.

Jim Hamilton from Lake Macquarie was a passenger aboard the Ruby Princess, now the subject of a special commission of inquiry led by Brett Walker SC. A NSW Health epidemiologist Kelly-Anne Ressler agreed it was unsatisfactory that more people on the ship were tested for influenza than for COVID-19.

Jim Hamilton, 68, a passenger on Ruby Princess, says a stint in intensive care with COVID-19 has left him musing about "the meaning of life and everything".

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian says school size matters when it comes to planning students' return.

The NSW Liberal Minister announced his withdrawal from the Eden-Monaro by-election this morning.

Police have called for fresh details about a woman who was found murdered in the state's north west in January.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard urges people to continue to observe social distancing measures on Mother's Day.

Director Oliver Stone turns Don Winslow's tale of drugs, deception and decapitation into his latest gift for the big screen, Savages.

The famed director's Roman holiday is Woody Allen-lite, but still manages to be sweet.

This beautifully filmed documentary is both an exploration into Bras' kitchen genius and a moving portrait of family ties and the passing of generations.

One of the world's biggest bands delivers one of history's most ambitious stadium concerts.

Two South African music fanatics embark on a life-changing journey to uncover the story behind one of their country's favourite, but enigmatic artists.

If Perth got the kind of photographic makeover that New York enjoys, it would be a fortunate city, says ABC 720's cultural correspondent Victoria Laurie

Two Perth Festival light artists take us far beyond the incandescent glow of digitised art, says 720 cultural correspondent Victoria Laurie.

As we left the theatre after seeing this 90-minute show, a young male voice behind me was effusive. "I learned more about world history than I did in the entirety of my school career!" he declared loudly.

This comedy about battling magicians may not be incredible or magicial, but its grab bag of stupid jokes is enough to create some decent chuckles.

The hit action franchise suffers a serious blow with this silly, lightweight and forgettable installment. Yippee-Ki-Yay indeed!

It's unusual to go to an art gallery and to be asked to not so much look at the art as listen to it. But this is what you need to do if you go the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina this week.

The beloved sci-fi franchise continues to boldly go from strength to strength with a ripping adventure, first class production and a memorable villain.

Exhibition builds on legacy of 1973 Aquarius Festival

Is it possible to remake a classic concept like Star Trek better than the original? Yes, apparently it is.

Never mind melodic punk, here's where it all started.

Ensemble Theatre's nationally touring production of 'Frankenstein' has opened in Wollongong to remind us of a timeless gothic masterpiece.

One of the world's great filmmakers tries his hand at an odd genre blend, in a foreign language, riffing on a 1940s film.

It is fair to say that any new Tim Winton book, play, film or short story is welcomed with open arms by Western Australians.

The Tweed River Art Gallery features a swag of interesting exhibitions just now, and there's nothing like a gallery hiatus to encourage you to get along to them. The Gallery closes for the first half of October to allow major works on the Margaret Olley Art Centre, which will open as an extension of the gallery in early 2014.

I was a little despondent heading out to the State Theatre on Grand Final night to see Barking Gecko's latest play Storm Boy. A friend remarked as I was going out the door "at least you know the story line".

This is a warm and revelatory piece of filmmaking.

Over the years as I've trawled through annual Archibald Prize for portraiture at the Art Gallery of NSW, I have always taken the time to also peruse two of the other exhibitions shown simultaneously: the Wynne Prize for sculpture and landscape painting and the Dobell Prize for drawing, named after Australian artist Sir William Dobell.

Six local artists, including four old friends in life and in art practice, have come together with an exhibition well timed for International Women's Day at Lone Goat Gallery in Byron Bay. The theme, Essence of Woman was put to the artists to freely interpret, and the six women have done just that.

Audiences in the Northern Rivers don't mind a bit of water. So, the idea of seeing the stage of the Lismore City Hall in flood mode was something of a drawcard for NORPA's punters who came to see dance production, Lake.

If you grew up in the early 1970s, you probably have no problem conjuring up a bar or two of 'the Roller Skate song'. It was singer Melanie Safka's biggest hit and it topped the Australian pop charts in 1971.

With school holidays upon us, it's timely to talk about a nifty exhibition that is on at the Lismore Regional Gallery.

Brisbane's Dead Puppet Society adult puppet show, The Harbinger, reaches deep into gothic fairy tale territory with a touch of Orwellian danger thrown in for good, and frightening, measure.

Bell Shakespeare's Henry V continues its regional tour through NSW and Queensland before it opens for a four-week season at the Sydney Opera House on October 21.

It's the production that first debuted on Broadway in 1966, and has been drawing audiences into a false sense of security ever since.

Southern Stars is not only a priceless gift for the students involved in it, it's a mind-blowing showcase of what young people are capable of when matched with professional direction and a huge venue.

The devastating effect of mental illness on family life is not the most likely material for a rock musical (or a great night out), but Next to Normal is one of the best productions all year.